A whisky group has lost a five-year battle to stop the Scottish government introducing price controls in alcohol. The court ruled that minimum pricing on alcohol was legal on health grounds under EU law.
The ruling clears the way for Scottish and Welsh governments to introduce a minimum unit price for alcoholic drinks - likely to be set at 50p.
The UK Health Forum (who are Sustain observers) believe that price based alcohol policies are the most effective way of reducing the harms in society caused by alcohol. They are now strongly urging Westminster government to follow Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland and to introduce a minimum price in England.
Professor Paul Lincoln, CEO of the UKHF says that this ruling will make a significant positive impact on the nation’s health:
“Alcohol is the third leading cause of illness and disease in the UK. It is a major factor underpinning the stark inequalities in health between the least and most affluent people in society. In order to maximise the public benefits from these price-based measures on alcohol, a mechanism should be developed to ensure that any financial gains are invested in additional Government funded public health programmes.”
This ruling is of interest to those supporting Sustain’s campaign for a Sugary Drinks Duty - which the UK government is introducing in April 2018 - and wider work around how fiscal measures can influence behaviour.
Published Wednesday 15 November 2017
Sustain: Sustain The alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.
